<![CDATA[The Saints have now made four consecutive picks on defense after investing their first round move up in Brandin Cooks. In the 5th round the addition was two SEC defenders. First it was safety Vinnie Sunseri of Alabama and two picks later they followed with linebacker Ronald Powell of Florida. Sunseri is a guy I've watched a good bit that is tough as nails and high character. He's coming off an ACL tear, though, so he may take it slow in training camp. It remains to be seen if he can be a contributor in 2014, but the Saints seemed to have seriously boosted their special teams in this draft. Powell is strong, fast and loaded with potential but has a lot of untapped potential. He sounds like a Jim Haslett linebacker in his write up, so we'll have to hope Rob Ryan can coach him up.
Their write ups on NFL.com:
STRENGTHS
Good size and big hands. Reads and reacts quickly. Assignment-sound and well-coached. Drops downhill to support the run and has experience in deep-zone coverage. Dependable wrap tackler. Good production. Vocal leader who commanded the secondary and made all the calls. Stood out on special teams as a younger player and has the makeup to be a special-teams captain in the pros.
WEAKNESSES
Short arms. Lacks elite top-end speed. Not a quick-twitch athlete. Does not explode off the hash and closing burst is just average — late getting over the top. Has man-coverage limitations — struggles to matchup with slot receivers. Occasionally fails to break down or overruns ball carriers in space. Dull pop on contact — not an explosive, blow-up tackler. Started just 15 games.
BOTTOM LINE
A coach’s son, Sunseri has requisite athletic ability for the pro game, but his head for the game rates among his best traits. Has the size, tackling ability and dependability to make a living as a backup and core special-teams player. Draft stock could be impacted by 2013 season-ending torn ACL.
STRENGTHS
Looks the part — well-proportioned, athletic, muscular build. Natural bender. Terrific agility. Can stunt and loop. Closes fast. Flashes strong hands and power potential. Loose hips to zone drop. Was deployed as a stand-up linebacker and hand-in-the-dirt rush end. Has untapped potential.
WEAKNESSES
Inconsistent get-off. Average eyes and instincts — has to see it before he triggers. Shoddy edge setter. Plays short-armed, gets locked up and allows linemen to capture his outside shoulder. Aimless, unrefined pass rusher. Intensity and urgency leave something to be desired. Has coasted on natural talent. Had his tires pumped since high school — entitlement was an issue as a young player and his personality could rub some people the wrong way. Injury history.
BOTTOM LINE
Powell is a physically gifted, inconsistent, college Buck ‘backer with crude strength and athleticism. Has developmental value as a stand-up rush linebacker, but must dedicate himself to the craft and realize he’s no longer the big man on campus.
I will say that I’m disappointed that the majority of the picks by and large have been to boost defensive depth and special teams since the first round. I don’t see any of the four defensive selected as starters in the near future, and most of them will battle to make the roster by earning their stripes on special teams. The knee injury history of Sunseri, Powell (tore ACL twice in 2012) and 4th round pick Khairi Fortt is also quite concerning. The Saints have completely ignored offensive line depth to this point which is a serious need. The signing of Jonathan Goodwin is even more critical now, but even with him the depth is pretty scary. With Goodwin on board the primary backups are Tim Lelito and Bryce Harris with zero competition behind them. We’ll see what the Saints do with their final pick in the 6th round.]]>
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